Monthly Archives: October 2016

OYO rooms, more commonly known as OYO, have extended its presence in the Chinese economy.
This expansion is the third overseas expansion after Malaysia and Nepal for the Gurugram-based startup.
OYO is an Indian hospitality service and budget hotel network, founded by Ritesh Agarwal in 2013 and is exploring the two big markets of India and China, alongside other Eastern countries like Indonesia. It is also set to take its enterprise in United Arab Emirates. In September 2017, OYO had signed a 5 year MoU with the China Lodging Group to facilitate and strengthen collaboration in order to build a worldwide market leading hospitality business. The MoU signed is for both parties to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration in fields like knowledge and technology sharing, strategic alliances – including but not limited to local sourcing and procurement and joint loyalty programs and investments. The multi brand hotel group had made a $10 million equity investment in OYO to become a minority shareholder (less than 5 per cent). Currently, the chain comprises of over 11,000 exclusive or franchised rooms in 26 cities including Hangzhou, Xian, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen and Kunming among others.

It has also launched its services in Shenzhen, also called the silicon valley of China, and is considered one of the busiest and fastest growing ports in the world. It has covered 8 hotels with a room count of around 400.
AsiaOne believes that the reason behind this move is the massive prosperity China’s tourism Industry is witnessing. It enjoys an influx of both domestic and International tourists and their market is considered as fragmented as the Indian hotel market.

The firm has reportedly hired around 60-70 employees to run its operations in China.
Furthermore, a substantial rise in the number of hotels and headcounts is expected in the near future.

United Arab Emirates is planning to expand its horizons and fly its first astronaut into space by the year 2021, when it completes 50 years of its foundation. By the end of 2018, Emirates will have its first astronaut titled, recruited and trained to make history.

This is the first ever space programme to be launched by the UAE and a realization of UAE’s pledge to become a global leader in space exploration over the next 50 years. The recruitment process is rigorous and detailed. Citizens first fill out an online form, the required additional information and supporting documents to the UAE Astronaut programme at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Men and Women aged above 18 are welcomed and have to go through a screening process which involves basic psychometric tests and medical examinations to determine the fitness of the candidate. Once shortlisted, more advanced and elaborate psychometric examinations will be taken, followed by a final interview round.

The qualified 4 candidates will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out vital experiments and work that will contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of human space flight to meet future challenges as a part of their training. The selected candidates will be a part of the Astronaut Corp of 2019.
Currently, there are over 2,000 applications received from people aged 18 to 60. This is a very exciting phase for the citizens of the country and their enthusiasm will accelerate the Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Rashid’s goal of launching the first unmanned Arab probe to Mars in July 2020. The orbiter will be called “Amal” or “Hope”. In the far future, UAE also has plans to builds what it calls a “Science City” to replicate life on Mars and aims to create the first human settlement on the red planet.

A new online portal, called the I-Shuttle, has also been launched by the UAE Space Agency for the citizens to engage with and drive their interests in space.

A soul with action, expression and inspiration, a personality imbued with intellect and a heart of gold, Arif Iqbal Sheikh – Arif – as we all fondly know and call – brings to the table a lot more than just business ethics with his amiable being. Mr. Sheikh keeps on spreading happiness all around him and keeps the environment around him charged

Hailing from the beautiful city Udaipur, Arif Iqbal Sheikh- Group CEO and Chairman of Governing Council of the US$1.2 bn Quality Group consisting of more than 100 companies in 28 countries has got the strokes of splendor and brilliance of the place etched in his personality as well. He is a very confident and energetic person and often an entire room pulsates with his presence. An extremely focused, committed, passionate, honest, and caring human, Arif considers himself to be the creative master of bringing improvement.

Arif believes in challenging his own strengths and improves with every passing day. With each sunrise, he raises in himself a new quality and a new skill. This fearless man takes a lot of risks whether it’s personal life or professional and emerges out as a winner. For him the major factor that assures success is self-belief. He feels that believing in self can lead a person to unachieved heights. He is passionate about what he does and proudly reverberates the words, “I’ll either find a way or make one” to keep himself motivated every time.

TALENT’S POWERHOUSE

Arif Iqbal Sheikh has worked with many companies and led them to glorious success in his career which spans over 30 years in four continents- 20 years as CXO and on senior leadership positions.

He led multinational teams who managed large corporations which were representing brands like Mercedes Benz, Xerox, Bosch, Newgen, GE Healthcare, Schneider, Siemens, Motorola, Pfizer, Bosch & Lomb, Nair, Pigeon, Oracle, and companies like Gammon, Ansal, Hiranandani, Walmart, and Harrods. The core industry verticals in which he has provided his expertise include Retail, Real Estate, Exports, IT, E-commerce, Logistics, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Investments, Trading and Agency representation as well as Services.

He brings a new lease of life and energy to every company he works with. His vision and strong work ethics always translate into sure-shot success of any project he puts his hands on. For his exceptional performance as an employee and a leader he has been rewarded with several awards like Excellence in Leadership, Best-CEO and Retail Chain award Dubai Shopping Festival, STAR-Business ICON award, etc. Quality Group won four major awards in last one year itself from House of Lords, Best Real Estate to Africa’s Most Iconic Award to Most Innovative Company under his leadership.

Apart from being a skilled entrepreneur, Arif is an academician as well and has authored two books and more than 100 articles in international publications. He is a visiting faculty to many international B-schools across Asia including the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM). His sound intellect and eloquent thoughts have been the motivation of several people who are treading towards the path of unmatched entrepreneurial journeys.

Arif is a recognized motivational speaker as well and has delivered many lectures at International forums, conferences and seminars. He is very active on social media platforms too and keeps on writing blogs about management and entrepreneur skills. Mr. Sheikh has a great insight of the consumer’s mind which he keeps on sharing with others through these write-ups.

“APART FROM BEING A SKILLED ENTREPRENEUR, ARIF IS AN ACADEMICIAN AS WELL AND HAS AUTHORED TWO BOOKS AND MORE THAN 100 ARTICLES IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS”

Following the success mantra of Umesh Modi Group which states that, “Achieve the benchmarked, then set your own standards and surpass them too”, Mr. Umesh K. Modi is undoubtedly making headway in the business world of the Indian Subcontinent. It is his effervescent personality that is the guiding light for the new generation

Holding a steadfast determination in heart and a firm belief in his mind, Mr. Umesh K. Modi spearheads one of the leading conglomerates in India. The Umesh Modi Group has ascended the mountain of success and has become an inspiration for other ventures of the nation as well under the leadership of Mr. Umesh K. Modi.

A zest to do something big drew him to the business world in the year 1972. A gold medalist in chemical engineering from Banaras Hindu University, young Umesh K. Modi set his foot in the business of his father. Since then, Mr. Modi is taking every possible step to enhance the empire. The Group has flourished at a great pace under the pragmatic and productive leadership of Mr. Umesh K. Modi.

THE MOTIVATING FORCE

Founded by his father, Shri Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi, a known industrialist and humanitarian, the Umesh Modi Group has witnessed a great transformation by establishing itself as a towering name in the industry. In 1968, Shri Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi was also felicitated with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India.

Following the footprints of his great father, Mr. Modi has come a long way on the path of success. He not only inherited his father’s business but also his habits which help him in being a leader who knows the outcomes of his actions. One of those habits is reviewing the profits and losses of his business personally. It is not wrong to say that the biggest source of inspiration for this business tycoon is none other than his own visionary father. It was his father whose life encouraged Mr. Modi to achieve a greater goal by implementing discipline & extraordinary management strategies in making accurate and clairvoyant decisions.

THE VIGILANT ONE

With an aim to create benchmarks in the business world, Mr. Modi forged ahead with his strategic steps and expanded the Group’s presence in fields such as Sugar, Iron and Steel, Distillery and Liquor, Engineering, Power, Writing Instruments, Packaging, etc.

Believing in the idea that one ought to have world-class partners to be ahead in the ever-changing world of business, Mr. Modi also formed new alliances and joint ventures with American and European companies. It was his anticipation that pharmaceutical industry has a long way to go in the future, which encouraged him to form a joint venture with Mundipharma Group of Companies, Switzerland in the year 1990. In the present time, Mr. Modi has over 10 partners in Pharmaceuticals business worldwide.

The journey that began with a single Modi Sugar Mills turned into a diversified group and has left its footprints not only in the nation but also at the international level. It was his efforts that have helped the conglomerate to hold a firm position in the South Asian, African & CIS nations and other international markets. All these achievements would not have been possible without his extraordinary guidance. For his perseverance and contribution, Mr. Umesh K. Modi has been honored with several awards. In 1984, the Ministry of Industry awarded him with “Man of the Year” Award.

“HE NOT ONLY INHERITED THE BUSINESS OF HIS FATHER BUT ALSO HABITS WHICH HELP HIM IN BEING A LEADER WHO KNOWS THE OUTCOMES OF HIS ACTIONS”

As true achiever, Mr. Malhotra’s personality not only carves a strong impression on one’s mind but also sparks an inspiration to achieve the dreams through a constant confidence and strong will-power. He believes that life is an uphill battle and one can emerge as a winner only if he/she has a confidence in the abilities

A determined faith in one’s actions and a belief of standing tall in any the situation fosters a person on the route to a prosperous destination. Mr. Harpreet Singh Malhotra, the CMD of Tiger Logistics, is that person who edged forward from his humble beginning and laid the foundation of Tiger Logistics which is one of the well-known logistics service providers in India with a global presence as well.

Mr. Malhotra Received his Bachelor’s Degree in B.Com from Delhi University and a specialized course in Foreign Trade from IIFT, Delhi. After completing his studies, Mr. Malhotra worked for some years in the Logistics Industry.

“Hard Work is the key to success in life.” These words have always given hope to this dynamic and foresighted leader. Mr. Harpreet Singh Malhotra believes that life is an uphill battle and one can emerge as a winner only if he/she has a confidence in the abilities and the determination to do something astonishing. He believed in his firm and knew that one day he will be the king of the logistics industry with his ever-growing empire.

THE PIONEERING THRESHOLD

For a first-generation entrepreneur, it is quite challenging to begin a new firm. Mr. Malhotra too faced a lot of hurdles when he made the decision to institute “Tiger Logistics”. He laid down the foundation stone at a time when he himself was not in a financially stable situation. However, he had a resolute mind which directed him to dream big and transform that dream into his own firm.

Mr. Malhotra started his business with a small team whose dedications and aims were big. With a profound faith in Mr. Malhotra’s leadership, they stayed on the course and transformed their firm from the small room of a rented apartment to several offices across India. In the present time, the company has more than 200 employees who are serving the firm with utmost devotion. Most of these employees are in the company for more than 10 years.

Hounding a firm faith in his ethical values, Mr. Malhotra makes sure that there is not a single activity in the company that is morally deprived. He makes no compromises in terms of the qualitative services and timely deliverance. To provide “value-added, cost effective” solutions to the customers, Mr. Malhotra has joined hands with various reputed firms across the globe. His innovative and faithful approach has not only earned him respect among the leader but also endowed him with an acclaimed list of clientele.

Tiger Logistics is the result of a continuous struggle of Mr. Malhotra in the market. It is his undeterred courage that has helped Tiger Logistics to grow substantially with every coming year. They had around 254 Crores turnover with 25 – 30% growth consistently per year from year 2000.

THE PHILANTHROPIC WAY

In a heart which is strong-willed and focused, emotions such as kindness and empathy for fellow being also reside and encourage Mr. Malhotra to lend a helping hand towards his society and the nation’s progress. He runs campaigns such as “Do Mutthi Aahaar” to eradicate poverty as well.

“HIS INNOVATIVE AND FAITHFUL APPROACH HAS NOT ONLY EARNED HIM RESPECT AMONG THE LEADER BUT ALSO ENDOWED HIM WITH AN ACCLAIMED LIST OF CLIENTELE”

Deemed with an experience of more than 30 years in the industry, Mr. Nitin Shah’s vision includes remaining a front-runner in the digital economy space and enabling the on-going lifestyle changes onto a unified digital platform. As a business leader, he has always looked out for the next big challenge, the next big opportunity

Mr. Nitin Shah is a unique combination of a questing, restless spirit imbued with patience and perseverance. These seemingly contrary qualities have paid off well for Allied Digital Services Ltd., the company he founded in 1984.

Over the years, his push to become and remain best-in-class has helped the company consistently conquer new frontiers – be it in moving to automation, technology and tool-based remote infrastructure management and shared services, as opposed to depending solely on dedicated people;and setting up the country’s earliest network operations centre (NOC) and security operations centre(SOC) in Mumbai. “The company’s growth has mirrored exactly the growth of the global IT industry. By moving fast to adopt and deploy new technologies, we have managed to grab the early mover advantage with each new technology,” says Mr. Shah.

THE DIGNIFIED VISIONARY

As an individual, Nitin Shah’s credo is perfection, in himself and others. Over the years, this has meant grooming and mentoring a second and third layer of command within the company and empowering employees to deliver their best for the clients and the company.

His personal credo of excellence combined with a focused vision has seen Mr. Nitin rise to the challenge of tough times and make difficult decisions – in 2012, the company underwent a complete internal restructuring along with a change in its business model to sustain future growth and deliver value to investors and clients. His personal and business values of integrity and honesty and putting the clients before everything else, has always paid huge dividends for Allied Digital Services.

GOING THE DIGITAL WAY

Allied digital Services has built a niche for itself in the IT Services space. Mr. Nitin Shah gave up a well-paying job with CMC computers in 1984 to start Digital Data Services Pvt. Ltd. From a three-person team, today the company has grown to 3000-plus people across 90 countries. He managed to create an identity for himself exclusively on merit and competence and by delivering on his promises. An opportunity to support a large consulting firm led to subsequent business deals.

He wishes to remain a front-runner in the digital economy space and enable the on-going lifestyle changes onto a unified digital platform. By the early 1990s, Mr. Nitin Shah’s hunger for success grew manifold, and he strove to create a layered, value-driven organisation and recruited several CXOs. When the need for converting acquired clients into regular clients and a sustainable business model arose, he chose a direct service delivery model that helped with client retention. This helped to differentiate the company from its peers.

Mr. Nitin’s belief in empowering people extends well beyond his immediate environment to encompass the society at large. The Padma Pragnya Trust, set up in 2008, in memory of his wife and mother, helps students from humble backgrounds get an education and also offers healthcare facilities for the poor. He also set up a dharamshala at Shahpur for the people.
“HE WISHES TO REMAIN A FRONT-RUNNER IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY SPACE AND ENABLE THE ON-GOING LIFESTYLE CHANGES ONTO A UNIFIED DIGITAL PLATFORM”

A pragmatic approach and affluent nature, Umang Jindal, the Director of Homeland Group is like a trailblazer who is setting new standards for the business world. He has an aim to create exceptional landmarks to change the geographical outlook of the country

Success comes naturally when you love what you do. And if you have a sharp mind that can understand business is not a static mountain but a dynamic and ever-changing river, this natural victory reaches you quite early. Every industry has witnessed several great young and energetic business tycoons that have the potential to change the face of the contemporary business activities. One such person is Mr. Umang Jindal of Homeland Group who is moving rapidly in the industry with his innovative ideas and efficient approach.

Mr. Umang Jindal is an alumnus of the University of Bath and Amity University. He joined the Group’s management in 2010 after completing his graduation and since then has been working hard to bring the best outcomes on the table. One can say that his passion for work goes very well in the alignment with Sr. Thomas Watson’s famous quote, “To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.” And this is the special ingredient behind this new-generation entrepreneur.

TAKING THE EMPIRE AHEAD

Just like his father, Mr. Hemant Jindal, Umang also has determination to be the best in the industry by offering cutting-edge services and products to the customers. Driving his strength from his aims, Mr. Jindal never succumbs to difficult situations. He aspires to create extraordinary infrastructure developments and modern lifestyle projects in the ever-flourishing sector of Real Estate.

Born in a respected family, Umang had all the comfort and luxury in life but he never took it for granted. Rather, he stepped on the paths that were difficult to follow and demanded extreme dedication and hard work. It seems a privilege to inherit a huge empire from the family but the uphill battle that is fought to maintain the position of that empire in a highly competitive world like the current one is also challenging for the upcoming generation. Therefore, Mr. Umang Jindal believes in the future deeds and asserts that though he has a rich heritage in the past, his efforts are directed towards the achievements that he can attain in the coming years.

BUILDING DREAMS

A young and dynamic person like this Director of the Homeland Group of Industries, Umang Jindal is certain to take his Group towards the pinnacle of success. Mr. Umang is quite inclined towards his real estate developments and has a notion that developing building is not just about creating structures but creating homes.
In addition to being one of the Directors of the Homeland Group, Mr. Jindal is also the head of Homeland City Mall in Himachal Pradesh and looks after all the major projects of the company. He firmly agrees with the quotes, “Real Estate is just not about creating buildings, it is more of a great enterprise to give hundreds of millions of people the power to fulfill their dreams”.

As one of best young visionaries of the Northern India, he was also honored several times with awards such as North India Entrepreneurs Award 2014 for his contribution and dedication in bringing affluence in the lives of many people.

“MR. UMANG JINDAL IS ALSO THE HEAD OF HOMELAND CITY MALL IN HIMACHAL PRADESH AND LOOKS AFTER ALL THE MAJOR PROJECTS OF THE COMPANY”

AN ECLECTIC PERSONAGE

Emerging from the lanes of a small town in Madhya Pradesh to be counted among world’s most influential and prominent leaders, the journey of CP Gurnani can leave anyone awe-inspired. A fascination towards technology and the zest to transform the Indian IT sector has underlined his way to zenith of success the life of CP Gurnani has been a saga of innumerous transitions. However, with an unyielding fortitude, he not only scaled every challenge victoriously, but also acquired profound wisdom through each one of them. Even if things happened at a frenetic pace, he concentrated on collecting worthy memories and experiences, and moved on with an unceasing passion. In fact, challenging circumstances ignited in him the verve to achieve the unattained efficaciously. For a boy who had no idea of what a computer was till his late teens and for a professional without a business administration degree, leading a multinational conglomerate through a pivotal transformational journey alone wasn’t easy. But, he pulled it through in a grand manner!

The story of this sedulous gentleman is an epitome which signifies that no dream is far from reality if one is hard working and determined towards achieving one’s goals.

THE ITINERANT LIFE

Born in the fatherland of Central Reserve Police Force- Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, CP Gurnani’s childhood was spent in various cities of Rajasthan like Chittorgarh, Kota, Jodhpur and Jaipur due to multiple transfers his father’s job at Central Bureau of Narcotics offered.

Before moving to a new place his father would always tell him, “You’re going to a new city, to a new neighborhood, and to a new school. The city does not need you, the neighborhood does not need you, and the school does not need you. But you need all of them. The initiative belongs to you and nobody owes you anything.” These words of his father developed in him an understanding towards the fact that nothing is static in this world and change is inevitable. Thus, he eloquently matched his pace with the flow and made each city a new platform to fill his journal of memories with elaborate learning experiences. He developed strong friendships and unbreakable bonds during this phase of life and they remain with him till today. “Despite all these transfers, my kindergarten, school and college friends joined me to celebrate my daughter’s wedding. These are my proudest moments and they don’t get you an award,” he remarks.

This itinerancy is still an inseparable part of his lifestyle as he spends the major portion of the year travelling within the country and overseas for business dealings. He aims to benefit not just the business with these voyages but keeps on grooming his personal self as well. His devotion towards work keeps him going; his father’s words constantly keeping his soul inspired. A look back at the passage of his own life gives him the spirit to move ahead. He likes to turn the pages of his life one at a time while making sure that each page is scribbled with extraordinary tales that can become inspiration for generations to come.

ATTAINING THE SKILLS

A visit to his cousin’s place in Mumbai kindled in CP (as he is fondly called) an unfathomable passion towards technology. The unique macrocosm of computers sparked in him a keen fascination towards machines. And he envisioned a future for himself in the world of technology.

He graduated from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Though choosing this major was not a very easy decision for him as the ocean of options available created a dilemma, today he is content and proud of this choice. “Engineering trains a student in the art of compromise and optimization between pure science and real world applications. My study and work at NITR has enhanced my skills in analysis and building solutions,” he remarks.

His days at NITR hold a very special place in his heart. He reminisces of the place as a rollercoaster of challenges and cheers. Though he was not a university topper but was a very active and keen student. He was also involved in extra-curricular activities and was a part of college hockey team as well as the AV club. He also actively participated in discussions and debates. On the suggestion of his friend he joined Rotaract- the youth wing of Rotary Club, Rourkela as well.

Being a highly skilled entrepreneur himself, he reckons that NITR gave him unforeseen opportunities to challenge and reinvent himself. He attributes his industrial skills to the training he got at his college.

FILLING TREASURES OF EXPERIENCE

CP had worked with several renowned companies handling diverse responsibilities before joining Tech Mahindra in 2004. His professional journey started in 1975 as a chemical engineer at JK Synthetics in Kota. He soon shifted to design engineering and later was picked up as a management trainee by Lloyd Insulations. He had been a very diligent employee and gave his best at each work place. But his heart’s calling was continuously telling him that he had to effectuate something more valuable.

His next destination was Fenner India Ltd. Talking about his decision to join Fenner, Mr. Gurnani reminisces, “The company also gave you a car—a Fiat. Being a middle-class guy, it was a big dream. So I joined Fenner.” But CP Gurnani soon comprehended that his ultimate aim was not merely pecuniary. His undying passion towards IT and computers pushed him to forge ahead and he told his supervisor that he couldn’t see a future in that kind of job, “I told him that I am a person who likes people and that technology excites me, and I think I can create something meaningful. I was around 27 and my boss was convinced that I was on the right track.”

It was around 1986 and the computers had recently become a reality. Despite being untrained in computers, his zeal towards technology made him join Hindustan Computers Limited. His tenure at HCL proved out to be the stepping stone for the immense success he enjoys today.

EMERGING WINNER
CP led Tech Mahindra through a series of surprises and challenges. With his immaculate guidance, he not only managed to keep the legacy of the name ‘Mahindra’ alive and thriving, but his indefatigable efforts and management skills also led the company on an unprecedented path of glory. His strong leadership qualities are conspicuous in the exceptional performance of the company at the domestic and global platforms every passing year.

CP likes to speak through his actions; and his entrepreneurial expertise doesn’t need a testimony. Faced with the challenge of reviving Satyam Computer Services Limited – he was the foremost choice to revive the firm when Mahindra acquired it in 2009 – he didn’t prove anyone wrong; he just worked and silently achieved the impossible. He not only inspired the entire world by resuscitating an impaired company and the reputation of India, but also regained the trust of customers and employees. Sleepless nights and determined resolve to right the wrongs proved to be part of his business duties, while he adamantly revitalized the business. His passion to work tirelessly to attain the trust of his employees is unmatched in the industry.

A CONSIDERATE LEADER

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more- you are a leader.” This quote of John Quincy Adams comprehensively sums up the administrative tenor of CP Gurnani. He is ever-eager to instil a sense of responsibility and leadership in each of his employees. Speaking about his leadership he says that he considers his style as parenting. He believes in nurturing the hidden talents of every single employee. He acts like the turbocharger of the team with an uncanny skill of assessing intrinsic ability of every individual.

He doesn’t believe in leading by command but by acting and setting examples in the system. He possesses an electrifying aura, and has the ability to pulsate the atmosphere with his motivating words. He attracts the approbation of every single person he meets and that is the reason he is loved by everyone around him. This is the reason that he has built a strong team of loyal friends, colleagues, and clients over the years.

UNDYING SPIRIT

CP’s life is certainly an inspiration for many generations to come. His style of working – be it leading a team, getting things done, nurturing his employees, or simply innovating new styles of management for the growth of organization and employees – is admired and followed by other contemporary leaders.

His uninterrupted piquancy has given him a chance to lead and assist NASSCOM in catalyzing the growth of Indian technology and services industry as its Chairman. He wants to make India the tech-centre of the world, and will use this opportunity to the fullest to achieve this dream. Further, he has been chosen to assist the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh regarding IT matters of the state.

CP looks at his future as one filled up with many more exciting adventures and opportunities that will help him grow more as a person. His aspirations are well-reflected in his quote, “My objective is to be a relevant global player, but if I don’t take advantage of the growing economy of India, growing youth of India, and if I don’t actually present solutions here, I don’t think the world is going to wait for me.”

THE INVINCIBLE ENTREPRENEUR

From India’s richest woman to the leading lady in style, Nita Ambani breaks to turtle conservationists’ perception of Indians towards woman power play. She has proved that more than any sophisticated ornament; it is the beautiful soul that keeps the charming personality gleaming not known to many, from couple of months, Reliance Foundation, named after her husband Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, chaired by the ever-smiling Nita Ambani has been generously donating in major U.S. museums seeking to mount shows with ties to her homeland.

Soaring high with performance and fulfilling promises to make India a better place for everyone, Mrs. Ambani runs the largest CSR initiatives of the country called the Reliance Foundation. As she says, at Reliance Foundation, the vision is to build an inclusive India by pioneering a holistic model to address the nation’s multifaceted development challenges, and contribute to its collective aspirations.

The focal point is the commitment to enhance the quality of life of people from marginalised and vulnerable communities, by empowering them and catalysing change through innovative and sustainable solutions. Their steadfast endeavour is to create replicable and scalable models of development through an integrated approach in the true Reliance spirit of maximising societal value for all, and making it a movement.

SOWING THE SEEDS OF KINDNESS

Mrs. Ambani is a familiar name when we count on people who are steering steering initiatives in the area of education, sports, health and art and culture. She has been involved in promoting multiple sports in the country with focus on developing talent through a number of large-scale grassroots initiatives. The grassroots programmes that she has initiated have reached out to over 3 million children in multiple sports.

Under her guidance, the Reliance Foundation has launched the “Health for All” initiative through a community outreach programme for the underprivileged within five kilometres of its hospitals. Her eye for details has transformed the working style of many at the organization. It is this attention to detail that also reflects in the relationships Mrs. Ambani builds, both at work and with friends. “She has a way to make you part of the Reliance family. She will ask about children. She would know if a child has an illness. I don’t know how she does it. But she has a way of figuring out. There are too many instances where she overwhelms you,” says a former employee.

Led by Mrs. Ambani, Reliance Foundation was set up in 2010 to provide impetus to various philanthropic initiatives of RIL. The efforts of the group have already touched the lives of more than seven million people across India, in more than 10,500 villages and urban locations. The Foundation has a comprehensive development approach. Its prime objective is to create and support meaningful activities through innovative institutions to address some of India’s most pressing developmental challenges. The Foundation lays significant emphasis on leveraging technology for developmental solutions. Following its model of direct engagement, the Foundation directly reaches out to the affected communities through trained professionals.

THE PLUNGE IN DIVERSITY

Over the years, Reliance Foundation’s initiatives have continued to evolve, while remaining responsive to the ever-changing needs of society. The Foundation is currently focusing on creating change in areas of Rural Transformation, Health, and Education, Sports for Development, Disaster Response, Arts, Culture & Heritage and Urban Renewal.
To maximize its reach and improve outcomes, Reliance Foundation has also established strategic partnerships with organizations that have the technical expertise and experience to undertake various programmes in the identified focus areas of operation.

Hailing from a Gujarati Family, Mrs. Ambani both music and classical dance is close to her heart. Her mother was a well-known Gujarati Folk Dancer and started to teach dance to Nita when she was just eight year old. Nita also started to show immense interest in dancing. She became quite famous for her skills in Bharatnatyam. It was this fondness for classical dance that captivated the heart of Ambani’s. Nita Ambani also used to perform Bharatnatyam at various stages throughout Gujarat. In one of her many performances, the Ambanis, specifically Dhirubhai and Kokilaben Ambani, who were at a cultural show, saw Nita dancing. They were so impressed with scintillating performances of Nita. She was not only dancing perfectly, but they also noticed an amazing beauty coupled with Indian tradition in her. Rest as they is history.

Social commentator, columnist Suhel Seth has always maintained that she is a “born Ambani”. “She is India’s first lady. He further added that Mrs. ambani carved an identity that doesn’t take away from that legacy. After she addressed at FICCI, a number of young girls went up to her asking for autographs. One of them said, ‘Nita ma’am, you’re our role model and inspiration for all of us’,” recalls Seth. At one time Parmeshwar Godrej was the face of Indian society but now Nita has displaces her. Seth feels, “It’ll be unfair to compare her with anyone. Nita has a much superior edge laced with sobriety and soberness. She has contributed in so many spheres – be it the school or her cricket team.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

In the very famous words of Mrs. Ambani, “Between my past, the present and the future, there is one common factor: Relationship and Trust. This is the foundation of our growth”, she has never disappointed any of the task driven under her guidance to be able to carve a niche out of it. Following a recent series of events, Mrs. Ambani Nita Ambani, founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been elected as an independent candidate to be a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The election for membership, which officials say is a mere formality, is scheduled at the 129th IOC Session at Rio de Janeiro between August 2 and August 4. As per the selection process, Mrs. Ambani, will continue to serve as a member of the IOC until she reaches 70 years of age.

IOC President Thomas Bach, announcing the eight candidates at a press conference in Lausanne, said: “This is a very outstanding group of personalities that are experts in their respective fields.”

Nita Ambani was among the eight Indian leaders who featured in Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen 2016 list, released by Forbes earlier this year. A trained Indian classical dancer, she also looks after the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, the HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and played a key role in designing the residential part of the RIL
Township at Jamnagar in Gujarat.

A DOSE OF PANACHE

When it comes to living a luxurious lifestyle, Mrs. Ambani is second to none. Her love of crimson and has been often seen attending important occasions in variations of crimson colored Sarees. Her Gujarati background reflects in the designs as well as draping style of the saree. One of her favorite Indian designer is Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla who churns out stunning Indian attires for her in succession.

Known for her opulent yet traditional styling, Mrs. Ambani’s wardrobe comprises of big jhumkas, heavy pendants and chunky bangles to subtle and sleek designs.
The aura of appeal and power which Mrs. Ambani reflects is par excellence. Her popularity has grown tremendously over the past couple of years which has also felicitated her with the honour of being the cover face of many international magazines like Femina, People, Verve (along with husband Mukesh Ambani), L’Officiel’s etc. Amongst the entire very special cover shoot for Hello was done with her daughter, where she shared the space with the gen next.

Mother Nita Ambani never disappoints her children, despite managing multiple tasks at a given time; she never fails to be a doting mother to her three extremely talented children. From being the driving force behind Anant Ambani’s drastic transformation while dealing with medical conditions to standing rock solid behind while Akash established his firm steps in the telecommunications business with Reliance Jio, she has been the source of inspiration to her family since forever.

United World Group Holdings LLC is a business conglomerate and being run by a group of family offices operating in the areas of Real Estate, Gems & Jewels, Publishing & Research, Recruitment services and Media Consulting.